Sexual Abuse Crisis Information Page

This webpage has been created in response to the sexual abuse crisis of minors and adults in the Diocese of Buffalo. We are in the process of building this site, but wanted to, in the meantime, have all related information in one place for you. The material and information here will be continuously updated to provide transparency, accountability and action. The most essential part of our response is a deepened commitment to care for the victims and help them heal of these crimes committed by representatives of the Church.

Letter from Bishop Michael W. Fisher 

• Restoring Trust in the Diocese (April 2021)

Independent Audit Report 2020 

• Independent Audit Determines Diocese in Full Compliance With Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Press Release)

• Onsite Audit Letter Compliance (PDF)

Whistleblower Policy

• Diocese of Buffalo Whistleblower Policy 

Adult Sexual Abuse & Misconduct Task Force

• Adult Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures (September, 2019)
• Details and Member Info

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

• Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, USCCB (Revised June 2018)
• 2019 Annual Report

Child Victims Act (CVA)

• CVA FAQs

Code of Conduct

• Diocesan Code of Conduct
• Code of Pastoral Conduct for Clergy (September, 2019)

Diocese of Buffalo Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

• Policy Protection of Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults (Updated March 2021)

Historical Data and Graphs

• Diocese of Buffalo Graph
• PA. Grand Jury report and Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) data
• National CARA data on number of alleged offenses reported

Independent Review Board (IRB)

• Biographies of board members

Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP)

• Summary of program
• Final Report (June 2019)
• Full program report

Listening Sessions

• Report on Listening Sessions Conducted Across the Diocese (October, 2019)

List of Priests Placed on Administrative Leave

• Current list of priests placed on administrative leave

List of Priests with Substantiated Claims of Sexual Abuse of a Minor

• Diocesan Priests
• Religious Order Priests

Report Abuse/Misconduct/Fraud

• Ways to report abuse, misconduct, and fraud

Safe Environment Training/VIRTUS

Parish and Catholic school employees and volunteers, over the age of 18, who work with children and young people in the Diocese of Buffalo, are required to attend a sexual abuse awareness session.

• Safe Environment Training (VIRTUS) website registration page

Statements, Articles, Press Conferences and Interviews

• Recent Archive

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

• Official Website

Victims Assistance Coordinator

• To File a Complaint/More Information